Hello,
I don't know much about the charging system on my truck. But I am experiencing some weird things with my truck.

Almost everytime I hit the breaks to stop my truck, my Head lights dim.
I have replaced my battery, and now looking towards my Alternator?

I have a 2001 Screw with 135k on it. But I also run my KC's every chance i get(at night) and I have a 10 inch sub. So i know my draw is pretty good.

I have been watching my EDGE for awhile, and the alt used to put out 14.4. Now it seems to hover are 13.8. I don't know if this is a bad thing or not?
I think that the ABS System needs more juice than the alt can give it.

Any ideas?

I also need to know if they make a more Heavy Duty Alt for my truck. I would like something with some more power since i do have such a great draw.

Thanks,
The Poolboy

 

Not much of an elec guy myself, but there is a thread on here someplace for the big 3 mod. Might check that out.

 

Do you have the same problem when you are not running the audio equipment and the aux lamps ?

Should figure out if you have a power production problem or a problem with the gear install, prior to spending money.

Do you have the factory headlamps installed ?

Any other modifications ?

 

Yes it still does it with the audio and kc off. I still have stock headlights. But the bulbs are slvainia super stars.

I have noticed that it does it during the day too. When I have no lights on,and the radio on very low.

 

Sounds like a bad alt. Does the voltage remain at 13.8 no matter what? It wouldn't take much to have it checked out at parts store. If needed to replace the alt wouldn't hurt to put on a higher amp machine.

 

Start with having the alternator tested, as Stormsearch posted sounds like an issue with the factory alternator.

This is a URL from some time back, members were getting these for their trucks

http://www.mralternator.com/alternators/ford.html

I want to say this is 5 years + back, so taking a search in the 97-03 forum on alternator or high output alternator would be a good thing, to see if anything new has come up.

 

Yes the volt meter does stay at 13.8. Yesterday I noticed that it was hovering around 13.9 to 14.0, but it mainly stays lower.

I will have to go get it tested at the local autoparts store.

I will also do a quick search.

 

An alternator that is properly matched to the electrical system will provide enough current to power all the accessories and recharge the battery. If your electrical system draws more current than the alternator is capable of producing the lights will dim. A dead cell in a battery might cause the alternator to fail in its capacity to provide all the current requirements. Have your battery checked at the same time. If you are looking for a high amp unit try here.
http://www.qualitypowerauto.com

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